BC

• Published:May 24th, 2010
• Comments:No Comment
• Category:Industrial Equipment

A forklift is an industrial piece of machinery used to lift and move materials, typically with the use of steel forks tucked under the load. The merchandise that has to be moved is usually in bulk form on pallets or calls for specialized shipping in a warehouse. The forklift traces its roots way back to the 1920s but it still remains as an indispensable piece of industrial equipment within manufacturing firms ranging from large multi-national corporations to small scale businesses.

The forklift is a highly versatile tool and they come in many variations and load capacities. In a traditional warehouse setting, most forklifts used have load capacities ranging from one to five tons. However, there are larger versions capable of lifting up to 50 tons. This type is usually used to load shipping containers. Part of the forklift’s remarkable versatility can be attributed to an array of attachments that can be used and customized to suit particular needs.

There are generally two types of forklifts, electric and gas. Electric forklifts are intended for indoor use while gas forklifts are used outside for various reasons. If you are contemplating on getting one for your business, make sure you know exactly what kind of forklift you need and you definitely want to get the right one for the job. The best way to determine which type of forklift is ideal to suit your requirements is to visit your local dealer and ask for expert advice so you can make an informed decision later on.